Waste to health and wealth with 3E | WongphAI

Introducing our closed kiln system, which not only produces biochar but also collects wood vinegar as a valuable byproduct. We are currently developing this technology to replace our open kiln system, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions

Name of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)

Waste to health and wealth with 3E
URL of a video introducing the work（under 5 minutes）

https://youtu.be/s9J841Z8qes
Detailed explanation of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)

In 2020, Wongphai had the chance to work with a local university on a project to create bamboo products for community income. However, the project faced challenges due to a lack of support, making sustainable growth difficult. We also discovered that burning bamboo waste caused pollution by releasing harmful smoke into the air.

To address this, Wongphai turned bamboo waste into biochar, reducing pollution and creating new jobs. By purchasing leftover bamboo scraps, we helped farmers avoid burning waste, leading to cleaner air. This process also provides work opportunities for women and the elderly.

We promote biochar use in farming, which improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. This results in safer food and better crop yields. We also train community members in biochar production methods so they can teach others. Our goal is to share this sustainable approach using agricultural waste, although we face challenges due to limited funding. We hope this prototype will inspire others to replicate our methods in their own communities.

Wongphai’s work tackles environmental issues while improving local incomes. By sharing knowledge and working together, we empower communities to create their own sustainable solutions, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
How does your work address the 3 P’s (for Planet, for People, for Profit) for Sustainability?

For the Planet: We aim to protect the environment by turning bamboo waste into biochar. This process helps reduce pollution from burning waste and improves soil health, making it easier for plants to grow. Biochar also captures carbon, which helps fight climate change.

For the People: We prioritize the well-being of our community. Our initiatives create jobs for women and the elderly, allowing them to earn a stable income through biochar production. We also offer training on sustainable farming methods, helping community members use fewer chemicals and grow healthier food. This not only improves their health but also makes farming more productive.

For Profit: While our main focus is on environmental and social benefits, we also understand the need for financial sustainability. By selling CDR biochar and creating value from bamboo waste, we generate income that supports our work and helps community members earn a living. This income is reinvested into the community.
Keywords

#Waste#Healthier soil & food#BIOCHAR
If you have a website for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL

www.wongphai.com
If you have a social media account for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL

linkedin.com/in/wongphai
Special Prize Question 1: "Empowering nature to create a new loop”: How does your work strengthen or support nature’s ability to capture and convert waste into valuable resources? How does your work advance industry practices by introducing nature-positive alternatives?

Our work is centered on empowering nature to create a sustainable loop by transforming bamboo waste into valuable resources like biochar. Bamboo, known for its rapid growth and renewability, produces significant waste when harvested. Instead of allowing this waste to be burned or discarded, we capture it and repurpose it into biochar through an eco-friendly pyrolysis process. This not only minimizes air pollution from open burning but also enhances soil quality and supports carbon sequestration.

Biochar acts as a powerful soil amendment, improving soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity. By educating local farmers on how to incorporate biochar into their agricultural practices, we help them reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers, leading to healthier crops and safer food. This nature-positive approach not only benefits individual farmers but also enhances the overall health of the ecosystem so their engagement support local livelihoods while reinforcing the importance of nature-based solutions.

These nature-positive alternatives, Wongphai encourages industries to rethink their waste management strategies. We aim to inspire other organizations to adopt similar practices, showing that waste can be transformed into valuable resources that benefit both people and the planet.
Special Prize Question 2: “Regenerating ecosystems”: In what inspiring ways does your work contribute to the restoration and stabilization of natural ecosystems?

In our reforestation and agroforestry efforts, biochar plays a crucial role in revitalizing degraded soils, making them suitable for planting native species. This enhances carbon sequestration and helps mitigate climate change impacts.

Additionally, we empower local communities through education and training in sustainable land management practices. By promoting regenerative agriculture, we encourage crop diversity and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, which further protects and stabilizes local ecosystems.
Special Prize Question 3: “Education and storytelling”: How does your work make complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging?

Our approach combines hands-on learning, community involvement, and real-life stories to show the benefits of the bioeconomy.

We hold workshops and training sessions that focus on practical biochar production and sustainable farming. These sessions allow participants to see and experience how waste can be turned into valuable resources.

One special program we offer is “Train the Trainer.” This program helps people, even those without a high level of education, gain skills and knowledge. After training, they can teach others whenever we have a workshop in other areas about sustainable practices. This builds confidence and leadership to the people.

To help local farmers see the benefits of biochar, we allow them to use it on a trial basis. For example, if they have 10 rai of land, we encourage them to apply biochar on just 2 rai. This way, they can compare the difference in crop growth and see how using biochar can reduce the need for chemicals, based on real experiences.

We share inspiring stories from people who have transformed their lives through our program. For example, individuals who were once unemployed now have stable jobs and are able to save money. Young people no longer have to travel far to the city, leaving their elderly parents alone at home. Instead, they can work within their community and support their families.